Editorial

Dear Katadyn Friends,

The Katadyn Group got off to a very fast start in 2012. We are receiving highly positive signals from our markets. Besides, we are happy to know that we have carried over some of the momentum we gained last year. The brisk demand for Katadyn water filters, as well as for Trek’n Eat specialty foods and Emergency Food rations, is continuing unabated.

For our Logistics people, the additional volumes are quite a challenge, and careful planning and flexibility are as urgent as never before. Until we can move into our new production building next September, we will still have to struggle with a few space problems. But as everyone knows, innovative and flexible solutions are our strength. And thanks to far-sighted planning, we have so far been able to supply our customers and affiliates on schedule.

Construction of the new building in Kemptthal is making rapid progress, and nothing can prevent the start of production this autumn. But we are laying new foundations for the future not only in Switzerland. A new Katadyn factory is also going up in Romania. The facility is located in the magnificent South Carpathians – the home of Dracula, bears, and wolves – and will manufacture metal components for UV systems and later on also for Optimus stoves. For this purpose, we set up a subsidiary in Romania in December 2011 and are pleased to welcome this new member to our Katadyn family.

So, you can see: The Katadyn Group has blasted off into the New Year with full speed. Needless to say that all these future-oriented steps focus on you as our valued customers and partners. Our striving for continuous improvement as defined by the Kaizen philosophy continues to be the most important engine of our success.

Trix Ammann

CEO

Did you know?

Katadyn Hiker Pro: Now on dealers’ shelves

(c) Martin Bissig bissig.ch

The new Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter has been available in dealerships since recently. This lightweight hiking filter always reliably and quickly supplies pure drinking water in the wilderness. The Hiker Pro filter is small and with its 310 grams a lightweight among water filters. Thanks to its large filter surface area, it boasts an unrivaled pumping capacity. The glass fiber filter diaphragm dependably removes bacteria, cysts, and sediments from water. When on trips, you can easily clean the filter thanks to its cleanable filter protector. The filter protector also perceptibly extends the service life of the 0.3 micron glass fiber filter element. The activated carbon filling inside the filter element improves the taste of the water and eliminates odors. Installing and removing the intake and outlet tubes and using the filter together with a drinking system are child’s play, thanks to convenient quick-action couplings. In the United States, the Hiker has been at the top of the microfilter seller list for years now. For the market launch in Europe in 2012, the former gray-blue filter has been packed into a trendy black look. The Katadyn Hiker Pro is available in European outdoor dealerships from today.

Every ninth human does not have access to clean drinking water

According to a report published in early March by the United Nations, 89 percent of the global population have access to clean drinking water. The number of people that can use clean water every day has thus increased sharply over the past few years, and the millenium target set for 2015 has been reached. But as yet, the world cannot celebrate any victory as long as 11% of humanity are forced to drink water every day that makes them sick. As a consequence, more than 3000 children die every day from diarrhea disorders, especially in Africa, where only 63% of the population have clean water. We are pleased to know that our Katadyn Drip Filter projects - which are being implemented in Senegal, Mexico, and Thailand among other regions - are contributing to the improvement of water quality.

Marketing & Events

Boot Trade Show Düsseldorf

The 43th edition of the Boot Messe trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany, once again focused on water sport innovations and trends. Katadyn was present on site with dealership partners and its own advisors. A total of 246,000 water sports aficionados from over 60 countries who visited the event made for brisk demand and generated good business. Interest centered on sailboats together with high-grade convenience and safety gear. In view of the discussions about the stability of the euro, people are apparently increasingly tending to spend their money on goods that offer them sustainable value and quality. That, of course, is exactly where the products of Katadyn come in. The manually and electrically operated water desalinators of Katadyn have been designed with durability in mind. Each device is tested for strict compliance with defined performance standards. The units are compact and easy to use, and different models are available to suit different applications. A desalinator is a must on ship trips, for that is the only way to ensure daily fresh water supplies. Katadyn Survivor and PowerSurvivor desalinators have been tried and tested on the high seas for decades. We have illustrated the operating principle of a Katadyn desalinator on a sailboat for you.

Transa Snow Days 2012

The Glühwein-Bar (Mulled Wine Bar) of Katadyn, Trek’n Eat, and Optimus has become a permanent fixture of the customer winter event of Transa, the largest outdoor gear provider in Switzerland. This year’s Snow Days on January 21 – 22 really lived up to the name. The magnificent Engstligenalp up in the Bernese Oberland was covered by a thick blanket of snow, and constant gusts of wind made it harder to build the fireplace for the mulled wine. This intensified the excitement of the guests as they approached our Snow Bar with a hopeful expression on their faces showing that they were eager to have a break from building igloos and treat themselves to hot mulled wine from the fireplace and warm up a bit. Usually, they did not limit themselves to just one cup of the hot wine, engaging in lively discussions and conversations and laughing in the Snow Bar. After dinner, they went on enjoying the heavenly beverage in the lively atmosphere late into the night. As in all the years before, the event with training courses on ski tours, snowshoe hiking, igloo building, ice climbing, and avalanche rescue was a full success. The Katadyn team loves to take it as an occasion to present itself from a somewhat different angle.

Lauche & Maas Winter Meeting

On the last January weekend every year, some 300 people convene at the Winter Meeting of Lauche & Maas in Frankenwald in Bavaria (Germany). Lauche & Maas is a well-known German travel gear provider. At subzero temperatures, the participants were given the opportunity to test outdoor products in a casual context. The different producers that were present over the weekend offered thrilling insights into their products. Katadyn Germany provided Optimus stoves and Trek’n Eat outdoor meals for the event. The new Trek’n Eat cheese fondue met with particular interest and was tasted right from Friday onward in a relaxed setting. The wintery atmosphere and the high spirits turned the meeting into a success for everyone who took part.

Trek´n Eat event counter at the “Travel Days” of Schulz Aktiv Reisen

The 19thTravel Days of Schulz Aktiv Reisen took place in Dresden from January 13 – 15, 2012. Schulz Aktiv Reisen is a German special event organizer of adventure trips and active vacations. Trek´n Eat was there with an event counter in cooperation with our dealership “Die Hütte” and caused quite a stir. O-Ton of J. Kunze (Die Hütte team): “In all, the event was once again a success for us and our travel agency. This time, 2,300 visitors seized the opportunity to gather information on international trips, outdoor gear, and trends. As demonstrated by the photos, our booth with its kitchen was crowded each time new delicious tidbits were prepared for tasting. It was obvious why their products were rated “excellent”. For the future, we expect a “food surge” and brisk demand in stores. So, once again: Thanks a lot for your efforts.

Katadyn Survivor desalinator at the Titanic exhibition

The manual Katadyn Survivor 06 desalinator will be on display this spring at an exhibition of a very special kind. The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News, Virginia, USA, is commemorating the Titanic tragedy one hundred years ago by organizing a special exhibition. The interactive “Abandon Ship” exhibition will give visitors an idea of what it feels like to be stuck in a lifeboat days on end after a shipwreck. As most lifeboats in the United States are equipped with a Katadyn desalinator, Katadyn has provided the museum with a Survivor 06 for the exhibition. According to the Mariners’ Museum, “the exhibition will put visitors in the situation of drifting in the sea and fighting for their lives. The museum tour comprises three sections: SOS, the lifeboat, and rescue. This will give visitors a better understanding of what it means to be in distress at sea.” Captain Henry Marx, the owner of the marine trading partner of Katadyn, is coordinating the exhibition. He teaches “Surviving at Sea” and also uses the Katadyn Survivor desalinators in his seminars. Katadyn is proud of their lifesaving technology.

Markets & Customers

Arved Fuchs’ expedition to northwestern Greenland

The German polar explorer and book writer Arved Fuchs has been traveling the frozen Arctic wastelands of Greenland for 33 years. And for years, he has trusted the products of Trek’n Eat and Katadyn on his adventures. The main aim of his next expedition to northwestern Greenland will be to determine the ice thickness on the fjords along the coast. At the northernmost point of the route, the team plans to start an ascent toward the inland ice and then to return southward. During certain periods, the expedition will be accompanied by Greenland natives who will support the team in choosing the route around the critical capes. At the end of May, when the springtime starts in Greenland and snows begins to melt, Arved Fuchs plans to be back with his expedition at his starting point in Qaanaaq. As oftentimes before, the expedition will be traveling by dogsled, the traditional means of transport of the Inughuit. The sleds are built on site by the local people, and the dogs are also bought from the natives and returned to them at the end of the expedition as a gift. Katadyn is proud to support this famous German adventurer with vital and reliable products.

Rowing alone over the Atlantic in 90 days with a Katadyn PowerSurvivor

Governed by the motto “Row for Silence,” 34-year-old Janice Jakait from Germany set out for her crazy adventure from Portugal on November 23, 2011 – crossing the Atlantic on her own in a rowing boat from Portimao in Portugal to Barbados in the Caribbean. A total of 3500 nautical miles or 6500 direct kilometers of water, hazards, and impressive experiences of Nature awaited the young sportswoman. Her motivation to embark on this adventure was to highlight the human-made underwater noise pollution of the oceans. Exactly 90 days later, on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, Janice reached her port of destination in Barbados and was thus the first German woman ever to cross the Atlantic in a rowing boat. In her thrilling blog, you can read what she felt like after her arrival: “I can hardly hit a key, am almost unable to walk, lurch all over the place, have no tears left, am absolutely shot to pieces and burnt by the sun, have aches and pains in every muscle, am tired to death, starving and dying of thirst, BUT I will see if I can at least manage a small blog entry. I HAVE DONE IT!” Janice produced her drinking water with an electric Katadyn PowerSurvivor 40 E water desalinator, which was powered through solar panels. In an emergency, she could also have switched the device to manual mode. Also on board with her was specialty food from Trek’n Eat and Peronin. We congratulate Janice warmly on her tremendous success!

Mike Horn Young Explorers’ Amazon Expedition

Mike Horn, a Swiss adventurer born in South Africa, set out in 2008 for a four-year trip around the world with his sailing ship “Pangaea.” Young people will join him on each leg of the journey. He will encourage the young adventurers to explore and experience the globe and to act as ambassadors of our fragile and vulnerable planet. In April 2012, as part of the Young Explorers Program, Mike Horn will set out with a group of young explorers to sail up the Amazon in Brazil. This unique expedition will show the rainforest as an ecosystem to the participants and reveal the problems related to it. Katadyn has supported Mike Horn for many years by providing him with Katadyn esalinators, water filters, and Trek’n Eat expedition food. For the Amazon expedition, Katadyn is providing the young adventurers with ceramic filter cartridges, with which they will execute a water filter project together with the local population.

Katadyn and Trek’n Eat with winner team at the Jules Verne Trophy

The Jules Verne Trophy is the prize awarded for the fastest nonstop trip around the world by sailboat. The trophy has its name from the author of the novel “In Eighty Days Around the World.” The regatta starts between Ile Ouessant in Brittany, France, and the British peninsula The Lizard. It covers24,500 miles via the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin in Australia, and Cape Hoorn in South America. This year’s winner of the race was the Frenchman Loïck Peyron with his 13-member crew on the 40-meter trimaran “Banque Populaire V.” It took him an incredible 45 days to surround the world, which means that he broke the existing record by three days. On board with him and his crew was also a PowerSurvivor 40E desalinator supplied by Katadyn France and freeze-dried meals from Trek’n Eat.

One woman – four deserts

Anne-Marie Flammersfeld has very ambitious plans for 2012: She wants to run through the world’s four largest deserts. At the beginning of March, she traveled to Chile to the Atacama Desert. In June, another leg will follow through the Gobi in China. In October, the Egyptian Sahara will be on the agenda, and the last run will be across the Antarctic in November. The “4 Deserts” race was set up by the Organization “Racing the Planet.” By taking part, the 33-year-old extreme sportswoman is supporting the Paulchen Esperanza Foundation, which is committed to improving the lot of disadvantaged children in developing and emerging countries. The first stage through the Atacama started on March 4 and Anne-Marie has already emerged as the winner in the first three stages of the run. During the race, the participants will have to fend for themselves. They must carry their own gear and food during six days and across 250 kilometers. Water and a place for sleeping in a tent are provided by the organizers. Throughout the race, Anne-Marie Flammersfeld will be relying on freeze-dried Trek’n Eat meals. We wish the sports scientist much success!

DAV expedition leaders

The young talents among the mountaineers of the German Alpine Society (Deutscher Alpen Verein, DAV) have for years used Trek’n Eat meals, Optimus stoves, and Katadyn water filters on their adventures in the mountains. Time and again, we are pleased to support the expedition leaders with our products on their tours. The last news we received was a report on this year’s Avalanche Camp, which for the first time was held together with the female expedition leaders. During five days, highly qualified trainers worked on the personal strengths and weaknesses of the selected members. In this, special attention is paid to the professional handling of the objective risks that exist in the mountains. The discussions continued in a relaxed atmosphere in the lodge in the evening, when the participants treated themselves to a delicious Trek’n Eat menu.

Fox Winter Challenge in the Arctic Circle

The Fox Challenge was launched two years ago with the aim to familiarize the participants with the Arctic Circle region. By using their instincts, the tour will not only teach them a lot about the weather, good and bad places to camp, and food management, but especially a lot about themselves. Protected by lots of goose down packed around their bodies, Fabian, Augustin, and Mike will travel this time to the icy North. There they plan not only to marvel at the Northern Lights from out of their tents, but traveling on skis and drawing pulkas behind them, they will explore untouched mountain valleys and learn how to manage with less. Daily legs between 5 and 25 kilometers are feasible in the very mountainous terrain. The participants in the Fox Challenge will rely on the products of Optimus.

Searching for traces on Greenland expedition 2012

In 1912, the Swiss geophysicist and polar explorer Alfred de Quervain succeeded in crossing the inland ice of Greenland from Ilulissat in the west to Ammassalik in the east. He was accompanied by three Swiss companions and used dogsleds to cover more than 500 kilometers of ice – a significantly longer distance than that traveled by Fridtjof Nansen in 1888. The trip was also a success from the scientific point of view, for this was the first time that the glaciers of Greenland were measured with an elevation profile. The ice caps of Greenland are sensitive sensors which pick up regional and global climate variations, and regular glacier monitoring is essential for improving our understanding of climatic developments. One hundred years after Alfred de Quervain, a German expedition now plans to repeat the elevation measurements of that time in order to evaluate possible changes. About 40 days are planned for crossing the inland ice. During this period, the expedition team will live on freeze-dried Trek’n Eat food. This specialty food is highly popular on expeditions since it is very light for carrying, quick and easy to prepare, and thus appreciably reduces fuel consumption. Its careful composition ensures that expedition members will benefit from a balanced diet even under extreme conditions.

Katadyn in-house News

New headquarters and production facility of Katadyn Products Inc.

The new building in Kemptthal has made rapid headway over the past few weeks. All the prefabricated concrete parts have been erected, the ceilings are in place, and the interior is already provided with almost all the walls. The outside walls have been painted, and all the windows have been installed. In seven months’ time, Katadyn will start making its products at its new site. The photo shows the new ceramic furnace section with the chimney cut-outs in the wall. Here, the test phase with the new furnace will start in three months’ time.

New Katadyn subsidiary in Romania

Last December, we set up a new subsidiary in Romania. The purpose of this strategic step is to enable us to produce our own metal parts for UV systems and later on also for Optimus stoves. We are currently sourcing these components from outside vendors. In January, we purchased land for this purpose in Brasov in the South Carpathians. Providing that the schedule can be observed, we will start production in the new factory hall in late summer.